Part 4/7:
Shortly after takeoff, air traffic control loses contact with American Airlines Flight 11, prompting a shift in the urgency of the communications. Reports emerge of a possible hijacking. The tone of conversations among various controllers changes from a routine flight operation to a pressing emergency situation. The flight’s transponder signal fails, heightening concerns about the aircraft's safety.
As American 11 deviates from its planned flight path, panic ensues within air traffic control. Controllers relay that they believe threats were heard in the background, suggesting a dire situation unfolding within the cockpit.